A tribute to the animals that have bravely served

The Annual Remembrance Service for Animals in War took place on Friday (November 9) in tribute to the millions of animals that have died in military conflict.

Dogs, horses and a mule attended the event alongside animal welfare organisations, and wreaths were laid in memory of those animals killed whilst serving alongside their human allies.

Eight million horses and donkeys died in World War I, more than 300,000 pigeons served in both the first and second World Wars, as well as hundreds of dogs, and other animals that bravely fought despite suffering injuries.

The memorial took place at Hyde Park, London, and was organised by Dogs Trust and Petplan Charitable Trust.

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home was just one of the organisations that attended. Chelsea pensioner and supporter Douglas Hassal laid a wreath of poppies with his chihuahua, Betty, on behalf of the home, to honour the deep and long-lasting bond between Britain's soldiers and their dogs in war.

Nigel Yeo, Battersea's Director of Operations, said: "We believe that when our dogs sit alongside an old soldier at the Royal Hospital [Chelsea], perhaps a man whose health is not what it was in years past, that that dog is supporting him in his daily struggles, just as much as our dogs who serve on the front line.”

Dogs Trust chief executive Clarissa Baldwin said: “The Animals in War Memorial is a fitting tribute to the millions of animals who, through no choice of their own, served bravely alongside our servicemen and woman during military conflicts.

"Their contribution, whatever their size will be remembered forever with our sincerest thanks.”